The Humans Behind the Healing
8 professionals. 96 combined years of experience. One shared obsession: your pet's health.
Dr. Lena Okafor, DVM, DACVIM
Medical Director & Founder
- Cornell University CVM (DVM, 2009)
- Board-certified in Internal Medicine (ACVIM, 2014)
- Special interests: endocrinology, immune-mediated disease, feline medicine
"I chose internal medicine because I love solving puzzles. Every complex case is a mystery, and the patient can't tell you what's wrong — you have to figure it out. That challenge is what gets me out of bed at 5am."
Fun fact: Has two rescue cats named Watson and Crick (yes, after the scientists)
Dr. Anil Patel, DVM
Associate Veterinarian & Surgical Lead
- University of Florida CVM (DVM, 2015)
- Additional training: orthopedic surgery externship at University of Georgia
- Special interests: orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, dental surgery
"Surgery is where preparation meets precision. I spend more time planning a procedure than performing it. That's how you get great outcomes."
Fun fact: Competitive rock climber who says surgery and climbing require the same hand steadiness
Dr. Maria Santos, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
- Tuskegee University CVM (DVM, 2018)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Special interests: dermatology, behavior, puppy/kitten wellness
"I became a vet because of a hamster named Señor Fluffington who had a skin condition when I was 12. My family vet saved him and I was hooked."
Fun fact: Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese — serves many multilingual pet families
Jamie Crawford, CVT
Lead Veterinary Technician
- Valencia College (CVT, 2014)
- VTS candidate (Emergency & Critical Care)
- 10 years experience, 6 at Pawprint & Co.
"Technicians are the nurses of veterinary medicine. We're in the trenches — placing catheters, monitoring anesthesia, comforting scared animals. It's exhausting and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Fun fact: Fosters kittens year-round. Current count: 47 foster kittens placed in homes
The Pawprint & Co. team, minus our most important members — our patients.